National Institute of Health’s Genetic Test Registry Goes Live
Apr 10, 2012
After two years of development, NIH has announced the availability of its new Genetic Testing Registry (GTR), a searchable online tool that will provide users with information on genetic tests. Genetic tests currently exist for about 2,500 diseases, and the field continues to grow at an astonishing rate. To keep pace, GTR will be updated frequently, using data voluntarily submitted by genetic test providers. Such information will include the purpose of each genetic test and its limitations; the name and location of the test provider; whether it is a clinical or research test; what methods are used; and what is measured. GTR will contain no confidential information about people who receive genetic tests or individual test results.
The overarching goal of the GTR is to advance the public health and research into the genetic basis of health and disease. As such, the registry will have several key functions:
• Encourage providers of genetic tests to enhance transparency by publicly sharing information about the availability and utility of their tests
• Provide an information resource for the public, including researchers, health care providers and patients, to locate laboratories that offer particular tests
• Facilitate genomic data-sharing for research and new scientific discoveries
For more information: GTR
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